A Guide to the Best Caterers in San Diego
Whether you’re throwing a birthday or holiday party, planning a wedding, or organizing a corporate event, we’ve got the scoop on the best catering companies and restaurants in town. From mouth-watering BBQ to exotic international flavors, we’re about to embark on a delicious ride through some of the coolest spots that’ll make your event delectable and unforgettable!
Restaurant Choices for a Memorable Soiree
Mezé Greek Fusion
Mezé Greek Fusion offers a delightful catering experience for both small and large social events. Their menu includes a variety of Greek specialties such as dips and spreads, mezé platters, wrap platters, salads, entrees, and desserts. Options range from traditional hummus and tzatziki to more intricate dishes like lamb chops and moussaka. They accommodate both pick-up and delivery orders and require a $200 minimum for all orders. Their catering service is ideal for large-scale venues, in-home parties, and remote locations, offering a taste of Greece for any occasion.
For more detailed information and to explore their full menu, please visit Mezé Greek Fusion Catering.
Phil’s BBQ
Phil’s BBQ offers a variety of catering options suitable for different event sizes and preferences. They cater for occasions ranging from intimate gatherings, corporate lunches, to large events with up to 3,000 guests. Their catering services include family-style pick-up, delivery drop-off, full-service staffed events, on-site grill master BBQ events, and even wedding catering. Each option is designed to suit different needs, from simple pick-up orders to comprehensive event catering with a focus on their renowned BBQ offerings. For more details and to explore their menu options, you can visit Phil’s BBQ Catering.
Mendocino Farms
Mendocino Farms is known for its farm-to-table approach, offering a fresh and seasonal menu. Wow your guests with the mix and match package — one large Specialty Leafy Salad and one large Gourmet Deli Side (we’re huge fans of their couscous!). Or, get a more complete meal going with the Large Foodie Package where you get 30 half sandwiches with your choice of specialty leafy salad, gourmet deli side, and an artisan dessert tray.
They’ve got platters and packages to suit many an event, so check out their site to find the perfect match for your event at Mendocino Farms Catering.
Bandar Facebook
Bandar Restaurant
Bandar is renowned for its authentic Persian cuisine, often featuring rich flavors and a variety of meat, rice, and vegetarian dishes. Their catering services include the standard Persian starters — like cucumber dip, hummus and Shirazi salad. And for the main dishes, you have many options including their charbroiled ground filet Koobideh, chicken kabobs and famous basmati rice. Give your next special event a taste of Persian culture — visit Bandar Restaurant Catering for more details.
Girard Gourmet
Girard Gourmet specializes in business and social event catering with a focus on fresh, organically grown produce. They offer a diverse menu that includes breakfast selections like full coffee service, continental breakfast options, quiche, healthy alternatives, and breakfast burritos. For lunch, they provide options like sandwich trays, French country lunches, healthy alternatives with soup and salad, hot lunches with choices of lasagna or beef burgundy, and various salad lunches. Their services cater to different meeting needs, so they’ve got you covered for everything from a staff meeting to a baby shower. Visit Girard Gourmet Business Catering for their full menu!
El Indio Mexican Restaurant
El Indio Mexican Restaurant provides catering services for various events including weddings and business gatherings. They offer both pick-up and delivery options, ensuring flexibility for different event needs. Their menu features some of their most well-liked dishes for the masses — including a taco bar, nacho bar, and the El Indio Bar (where they have the option of taquitos, burritos, or enchiladas.). They also have a Garden Patio space available for events. For more details, visit El Indio Mexican Restaurant Catering.
Flavors of East Africa
Flavors of East Africa offers a unique catering experience with their authentic East African cuisine. They provide a variety of dishes that showcase the rich and diverse flavors of the region including chapati bread from Kenya, lamb curry and goat curry, fried plantains, and the Nyoyo “Corn and Bean Dish” tray. This is an amazing opportunity to expose your guests to vibrant spices and hearty dishes they’re sure to love! To view their full catering menu, visit Flavors of East Africa Catering.
Urbn Pizza Facebook
URBN Pizza Truck
URBN Catering offers an engaging experience with their pizza trucks, catering to San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles areas. Their custom-built trucks serve as a lively centerpiece at events, where guests can watch pizzas being made and served from a wood-fired oven. They provide a buffet-style service, complete with beautifully crafted wood tables for food presentation. URBN Catering can adapt to any size party, whether large or intimate. For more information or to reserve a pizza truck, visit URBN Pizza Truck Catering.
Traditional Catering Companies
URBN Catering Group
URBN Catering offers a diverse and enticing menu, featuring a variety of appetizers, sliders, salads, craft pizzas, and family-style entrees. They cater to a range of events and can customize menus to suit specific needs and budgets. Some highlights from their menu include cheese and meat boards, a selection of sliders, and an array of craft pizzas like Margherita and Hot Honey. For dessert, options like tiramisu and cannoli are available. URBN Catering can provide on and off-site full service catering, adding a unique touch to any event. Explore their full menu, here: URBN Catering.
Giuseppe Catering
Giuseppe Fine Catering in San Diego is renowned for its sophisticated approach to catering, offering a range of services for corporate events, weddings, and social gatherings. They emphasize the use of quality, locally-sourced ingredients and provide an exquisite dining experience no matter the occasion. Their dedication to culinary excellence is evident in their diverse menu offerings and top-notch service. To explore their services in more detail, visit Giuseppe Fine Catering.
Pronto Catering
Pronto Catering, a part of Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering, specializes in full-service catering for both social and corporate events in San Diego. They offer a wide selection of menus including a Latin Breakfast Buffet, gourmet sandwiches and wraps, as well as Italian, Mediterranean, and Mexican hot buffet menus. They handle everything from set-up to clean-up, providing a comprehensive service experience. Their staff works closely with event planners to ensure a flawless and enjoyable event. For more details on their services and menus, visit Pronto Catering.
The Wild Thyme Company
The Wild Thyme Company is a well-regarded catering service in San Diego known for their passion for food and commitment to quality. They cater to a variety of events, offering personalized menus, tabletop design, beverage services, and event coordination. Their menu choices are extensive, featuring items like appetizers, cheese and fruit stations, and multi-course meals. They emphasize using fresh ingredients and providing a detail-oriented service to make events memorable.
The French Gourmet
The French Gourmet is recognized for its fine catering services in San Diego, offering an array of culinary delights inspired by French cuisine. Their menu includes a variety of options such as artisanal bread, pastries and finger foods for a cocktail party, as well as large buffet style catering options with dishes like chicken breast, duck confit, and eggplant lasagne. Or, put a unique twist on your event with a French dessert food station. To learn more about their offerings, check out The French Gourmet.
How So Diego Can Help With Your Catered Event
Personalized Event Planning
Did you know that in addition to our signature tours, we also can help you create a customized experience for your next corporate or social gathering? We pride ourselves in creating one-of-a-kind and memorable activities that fit perfectly for your needs. So Diego, a boutique destination management company, has you covered when it comes to planning and organizing personalized team-building activities, special events, and unique experiences across San Diego.
Local Insights for the Perfect Catering Choice
As San Diego food experts, we have the knowledge and connections to pair you up with the best catering company for your event. If you’re an event planner looking for support, rest easy knowing we’ve got a wide range of restaurants and catering companies in mind to suggest to you!
For more information on how So Diego can help plan your next catered event, visit So Diego Custom Tours.
And that’s a wrap on our tour of San Diego’s fantastic catering scene! Whether you’re after something fancy or just a laid-back feast, these caterers have your back. They’re not just serving delicious food; they’re dishing out experiences that’ll make your event unforgettable. So, next time you’re planning a bash, give one of these spots a shout – your taste buds (and guests) will thank you. Until then, keep exploring and eating your way through our beautiful city! If you’re interested in exploring the best bites of the city, join us on one of our signature San Diego food tours!
Written by: Melissa
Melissa hails from San Jose, CA, and has been a San Diego local for five years now after a 10-year long pit stop in Los Angeles. In L.A., she began her writing career crafting digital content for a wide range of clients, including The Real Talk Show, Sharon Osbourne, Hank Azaria, Time Life, and Cardinal Financial. She’s excited to be able to use her passion for writing to introduce people to some of the best spots in San Diego, many of which she has already frequented or has on her ever-expanding list of things to do … In her spare time, she enjoys taking her puppy Milo to all of the best dog beaches in SD, grabbing a glass of wine or a cup of joe at new places, and hosting watch parties for The Bachelor/ette TV show.
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